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Even with an annual Pap smear test and the new vaccination for young women, cervical cancer can’t be totally prevented. But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer of the cervix.
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Vaginal cancer is a relatively rare disorder, comprising about 2% to 3% of all gynecologic cancers. Approximately 2,400 women are diagnosed each year with vaginal cancer in the United States.
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The chance of getting ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older. Ovarian cancer occurs in women over the age of 50 and the highest risk is in women over 60.
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Uterine cancer is the most common of all cancers in the female reproductive system. It can either form in the inner lining of the uterus or the outer layer of muscle tissue.
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Thought to be caused by a problem with the genetic information transmitted between an egg and sperm, molar pregnancy can develop during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Testimonials
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When Jan Holsclaw found out she had ovarian cancer, she was referred to Dr. Bigsby at Florida Hospital Cancer Institute for surgery and treatment. With reassuring words and...
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TV Personality Jan C. Garavaglia, M.D., (aka "Dr. G") is the chief medical examiner for the District Nine (Orange-Osceola) Medical Examiner's Office in Florida. When she... -
Bonnie has helped to raise millions of dollars for ovarian cancer research taking place at National Cancer Institute (NCI), Department of Defense (DOD), Centers for Disease...
Vaginal Cancer Treatment
Treatment for vaginal cancer depends on the staging of the cancer, the patient’s age and health and the type of cancer that is to be treated. Since each case is different, your physician at the Gynecologic Oncology Center will review the options that are best for you so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Surgery
Laser surgery is one option and is used to treat Stage 0 vaginal cancer. If more extensive surgery is required, your surgeon may elect to do a vaginectomy, where the entire vagina is removed. In its place the surgeon will create an artificial vagina.
If the cancer has spread into the reproductive organs, a radical hysterectomy may be performed, which includes the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and the ovaries. Finally, a pelvic exenteration may be the preferred option. In this procedure, the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed. If necessary, the bladder, lower colon and rectum may also be surgically removed.
Complications can include a urinary tract infection, infections of the incisions, temporary damage to the nerves, fluid accumulation in the legs, incontinence, falling or sinking of the genitals and blood clots.
Radiation Therapy
Depending on the nature and extent of the vaginal cancer, radiation therapy may be used, either as the only treatment or in conjunction with surgical options. Using high-energy radiation from either x-rays or gamma rays, the cancer is killed using external means or by placing the radioactive material close to the cancerous location. Either or both forms of radiation therapy may be employed.
Chemotherapy
This is generally used on patients with advanced forms of vaginal cancer, since earlier stages don’t usually require chemotherapy, but can be given with radiation.
If you are diagnosed with vulvar or vaginal cancer you will want to speak with your one of our team of experts at the Gynecologic Oncology Center about your treatment options. If you have questions before, during or after your consultation, be sure you write them down since a lot of information will be provided to you and you may want clarification on some points. As always, we will be happy to answer all your questions honestly and openly.